Two exhibitions are being held about plans to reopen Regent Street in Hinckley to through traffic.

People are being urged to view the plans to reopen the road, which was closed to all vehicles except buses in 2003.

The exhibitions are being held from 10am to 6pm at the Hinckley BID office on Castle Street on August 6 and 7.

It is hoped the proposal plans will help to boost the local economy by encouraging more people to visit the shops on the street.

A string of business complained that they saw a dip in trade after the road was closed.

It is also hoped it will provide easier access to the towns’s car parks.

The scheme is being backed by the Hinckley BID and the county and borough council’s.

If the scheme goes ahead it is expected to cost £45,000 which will be split equally between the three parties.

The costs will cover creating parking bays, physical work, consultation, legal work and the design.

Councillor Peter Osborne, the county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We will always consider proposals to help boost the town centres across Leicestershire and encourage further economic investment for residents and businesses.

“The decision to close this street was taken some time ago and the time is right to revisit it. We are very keen to hear what people think about this initial proposal and your comments will play a role in shaping how the scheme develops.”

People will have until August 31 to have their say and the county council says the comments will help to shape the scheme which will go out for formal consultation later this year in December.

Throughout the consultation the plans can be viewed at the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council offices at the Hinckley Hub.

Hard copies are available by calling 0116 305 0001 or emailing engineeringdesigngeneral@leics.gov.uk.

For more information visit www.leics.gov.uk/hinckley_area_project_regent_street.htm.